Croatia secures quarterfinals spot at European Water Polo Championship

Montenegro – Croatia (Photo: European Aquatics / Tonci Plazibat / CROPIX)

Despite a dramatic finish filled with penalty shootouts, the Croatian water polo team was defeated by Montenegro in the third round of Group A at the European Championship in Dubrovnik tonight.

Nevertheless, the Barakudas secured the second spot in the group with that single point, earning a direct qualification for the quarterfinals of the European Championship which will be played in Zagreb. Not only that, but this also guarantees their participation in the World Cup in Doha next month.

(Photo: European Aquatics / Bozidar Vukicevic / CROPIX)

Regardless, there is a lingering sense of disappointment as Croatia came incredibly close to claiming the top spot in the group, which would have led to a potentially easier opponent in the quarterfinals (Georgia or Romania). Instead, they will face the winner of the match between Greece and, most likely, the Netherlands. A tougher path, but the group stage was no easy feat.

(Photo: European Aquatics / Tonci Plazibat / CROPIX)

As for the match against Montenegro, similar to previous encounters between these two teams, uncertainty was the only certainty. Describing every action and goal would be exhaustive.

After a strong start for Croatia (2:0), Montenegro turned the tide to 5:4, then the Barakudas regained the lead at 6:5, 7:6, and 8:7. With three consecutive goals from Đuro Radović, Montenegro reversed the score from 7:9 to 10:9 in their favor. Two minutes before the end, at 10:10, Montenegro played with one less player due to a foul on Vlado Popadić, but Fatović missed the penalty shot by hitting the crossbar.

Jerko Marinic Kragic (CRO) (Photo: European Aquatics / Tonci Plazibat / CROPIX)

Nonetheless, with a minute and 12 seconds remaining, Bukić gave us the lead (11:10), and we thought victory was within reach. However, the guests quickly equalized (11:11), leading the game into a penalty shootout.

Croatian coach Ivica Tucak and his team (Photo: European Aquatics / Bozidar Vukicevic / CROPIX)

Coach Ivica Tucak commented: “The first goal has been achieved – reaching the quarterfinals and securing a spot in the World Cup. However, we could have done better; we could have claimed the top spot. We had everything in our hands, so there is some regret. We must be honest and admit that we have chosen the tougher path. Our opponent now seems to be Greece, undoubtedly harder than Georgia or Romania. We had everything in our hands, but that’s sports, and we have to believe that it will come back to us. I have no complaints about the game. They fought, played like lions against an excellent team because Montenegro is indeed that. Now, we go to Zagreb to try to be even better than here.”

(Photo: European Aquatics / Tonci Plazibat / CROPIX)